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In case he overlooked just how daunting a task awaits him, the NewÂ York Public Interest Research Group put out a helpful “do-to” list for Gov.-elect Eliot Spitzer to refer to as he prepares to take control of government, write his first State of the State speech, compile his first executive budget and preside over the upcoming 2007 legislative session:

Fulfill his campaign pledges to lower property taxes and jump-start the upstate economy.

Identify and shepherd â€œcabinetâ€ appointments through the Senate confirmation process.

Develop a new state budget (likely including a resolution of the CFE litigation) and push for on-time passage.

Address the expiration of the Health Care Reform Act, Medicaid reform and possibly the fallout from the â€œBerger Commissionâ€ report on hospital closings.

Deal with vacancies on the Court of Appeals; Comply with a court order changing the way judges are selected.

Face the expiration of the Lobbying Law.

Fulfill his campaign pledge to end Albanyâ€™s way of conducting its political business (e.g. reforming budget process, redistricting, ethics, campaign finance) and may have to deal with the Hevesi controversy.

Oh yes, he will also have to get his new government off the ground.

Like Spitzer says, Day One is going to be pretty busy. Good thing he’ll have NYPIRG around to keep him on the straight and narrow.

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